**Members are advised that debate on H.R. 3078, H.R. 3079, and H.R. 3080 will begin tonight, following votes. The House is also expected to begin debate tonight on the motion to concur in the Senate Amendments to H.R. 2832. It is expected that only 30 minutes of debate will occur tonight on each of these items and all remaining debate time will be completed tomorrow.

H.R. 2302 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to notify Congress of conferences sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (Rep. Stutzman - Veterans’ Affairs)

H.R. 1025 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to recognize the service in the reserve components of certain persons by honoring them with status as veterans under law (Rep. Walz - Veterans’ Affairs)

The measure requires the EPA to issue new regulations to replace the four original proposals within 15 months of enactment. Regulated facilities would have to be given at least 5 years to comply with any new rules.

The Rule for H.R. 2681 was adopted on 10/4 and it allows any amendment submitted and printed in the Congressional Record to be in order for consideration under the 5 minute Rule. Pro Forma amendments are also allowed under the Rule. Any Member that did not offer their amendment on Thursday (10/6) should be prepared to offer amendments as early as 3:00 p.m. today.

H.Res. 425 – Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3078, H.R. 3079, H.R. 3080, and the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendments to H.R. 2832 (One Hour of Debate) The Rule provides 90 minutes of debate for all three trade agreements. It also provides 60 minutes of debate on the motion to concur in the Senate Amendments to H.R. 2832. It waives all points of order against the bills.

Begin Consideration of H.R. 3078- United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (Rep. Cantor - Ways and Means) (90 minutes of debate) This bill implements a trade agreement reached between the United States and Colombia. The agreement reduces most tariffs and duties currently affecting trade between the United States and Colombia. It also reduces barriers for services, increases protections for intellectual property, and is intended to enhance Colombia's labor- and environmental-enforcement standards.

Begin Consideration of H.R. 3079- United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (Rep. Cantor - Ways and Means) (90 minutes of debate) This bill implements a trade agreement reached between the United States and Panama. The agreement reduces most tariffs and duties currently affecting trade between the two countries, reduces barriers for services, increases protections for intellectual property, and is intended to enhance Panama's labor- and environmental-enforcement standards.

Since Panama already enjoys duty-free treatment on 99% of its exports to the United States under the Andean Trade Preference Act, most of the agreement's provisions relate to U.S. exports to Panama.

Begin Consideration of H.R. 3080- United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Rep. Cantor - Ways and Means) (90 minutes of debate) This bill implements a trade agreement reached between the United States and South Korea. The agreement reduces most tariffs and duties currently affecting trade between the United States and South Korea, reduces barriers for services, increases protections for intellectual property and reduces tariffs imposed on U.S. auto exports.

Begin Consideration of the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2832- To extend the Generalized System of Preferences, and for other purposes (Rep. Camp - Ways and Means) (60 minutes of debate) The measure reauthorizes trade adjustment assistance (TAA) programs and alternative trade adjustment assistance (ATAA). American workers who lose their jobs due to increased imports, offshoring or outsourcing have been able to rely on the TAA program to obtain the assistance, education and training necessary to obtain new jobs, helping them stay competitive in a changing economy.

It also extends the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) until July 31, 2013.

The U.S. Senate passed this bipartisan legislation with 17 Republican Senators voting in favor it, along with every Democratic Senator. It will finally codify an extension of TAA, which House Republicans allowed to expire in February. Democrats are urged to VOTE YES on H.R. 2832.

“The Congressional Budget Office on Friday confirmed that President Obama’s jobs bill would be fully paid for over ten years and also gave its seal of approval to Senate Democrats' version that includes a surtax on millionaires. The CBO said that the original Obama stimulus bill would involve $447 billion in tax cuts and new spending—the same estimate given by the administration. It said the bill would raise $450 billion over ten years. The result is a $3 billion decrease in deficits over ten years…CBO also said that the bill ‘could have a noticeable impact on economic growth and employment in the next few years.’”